Karbonius CF Airbox & Intake Review

[swanlake]

After an almost 4 month wait, my Karbonius Carbon Fiber Plenum, elbow, and intake finally arrived, and I couldn't wait to get it on the car. I sourced mine through Turner Motorsports since the groupbuy had been closed. I've read many many pages of the groupbuy thread, but haven't seen a proper standalone review with video, so here goes.

VISUAL
Initial perception on quality was top notch, perfect weave throughout, no blemishes in the clear.







INSTALL
Install was a bit tricky since the box is taller than OEM and couldn't manage to get the very front airbox lid screw to seat, but oh well. Getting the ITG filter in was also a major pain in the ass, but since it's so snug I'm confident it's not going anywhere.



IMPRESSIONS
This thing sounds incredible. At part throttle it sounds stock, but when you roll into the throttle at any RPM you get a deep growl from the front of the car, which resonates through the whole vehicle. I've never experienced anything quite like this. It's most noticeable at low RPM's when you get lots of throatiness and then up top is just a mechanical scream. I do have one concern which is that at high RPM's over bumps the intake tone changes, almost like the box is changing shape or touching something in the engine bay, but the engine doesn't seem to notice. If any other Karbonius owners have experienced this, please let me know.

Onto the vid! I know everyone says this, but make sure to watch this with headphones or a decent speaker setup, the tone of the intake is most noticeable in the lower frequency ranges.

[Exclusivs]

Nice write up. Theres no denying Karb's carbon quality work & sound.

Reoccurring theme I keep seeing with all the Carbon Manifolds is fitment issues. Appreciate you being transparent, and noting them (despite not being major). Would rather read an honest review, then a sugar-coated one.

[SYT_Shadow]

Congrats on the Karbonius setup! Now you just need cams and your mind will be forever blown when combined with the plenum!

I have not heard the tone change... do you think it might be dsc intervention in the throttle when the rear tires have less grip after hitting a bump?

Feel free to bump the group buy thread to ask if anyone else has heard this.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by Exclusivs

Nice write up. Theres no denying Karb's carbon quality work & sound.

Reoccurring theme I keep seeing with all the Carbon Manifolds is fitment issues. Appreciate you being transparent, and noting them (despite not being major). Would rather read an honest review, then a sugar-coated one.

Only one I think might not have it, is that stock bottom + CF top

[JPWEraser]

Nice video. I'm really looking forward to the next gb so I can get one!

[Exclusivs]

Originally Posted by derbo

Only one I think might not have it, is that stock bottom + CF top

Which Stock bottom? (Sry, been bit out of the loop I suppose)

Definitely a tough call. Especially with the frequency of members reporting back fitment issues of some type, and no dyno numbers. Don't want to de-rail OP's thread, but how do guys know they're not loosing power due to ill fitment.

[roastbeef]

a quick tip- when fitting the filter on the neck, it helps to have the lower airbox bolts off so you can manipulate it onto the lower airbox nipple.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

a quick tip- when fitting the filter on the neck, it helps to have the lower airbox bolts off so you can manipulate it onto the lower airbox nipple.

That's what she said

[shimmy23]

You didn't connect the airbox to the front air ducts. Any reason why?

Last I heard was that some people still had rubbing issues with the plenum. That could be dependent on what motor mounts people are running

[swanlake]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

Congrats on the Karbonius setup! Now you just need cams and your mind will be forever blown when combined with the plenum!

I have not heard the tone change... do you think it might be dsc intervention in the throttle when the rear tires have less grip after hitting a bump?

Feel free to bump the group buy thread to ask if anyone else has heard this.

Agh, I've been considering the idea of cams. Would love to pick your brain re cost, installation, and benefits. If I could spin to 9k...

I hadn't thought about the DSC kicking in, I'll try doing pulls with traction off and see if it persists, otherwise I'll head over to the group buy thread. Thanks!

[swanlake]

Originally Posted by shimmy23

You didn't connect the airbox to the front air ducts. Any reason why?

Last I heard was that some people still had rubbing issues with the plenum. That could be dependent on what motor mounts people are running

In all honesty I started the install at 10pm, got it wrapped up at around midnight, at which point I noticed the duct hadn't gone back in. I'll put it back in when I have a chance

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by swanlake

Agh, I've been considering the idea of cams. Would love to pick your brain re cost, installation, and benefits. If I could spin to 9k...

I hadn't thought about the DSC kicking in, I'll try doing pulls with traction off and see if it persists, otherwise I'll head over to the group buy thread. Thanks!

Anytime!

[jaehshim]

i wonder how this compares to Eventuri one

[pikachu]

Originally Posted by jaehshim

i wonder how this compares to Eventuri one

I am interested to know as well, debating between the 2 right now... any advice ?

[E9xx]

Originally Posted by pikachu

I am interested to know as well, debating between the 2 right now... any advice ?

Following

[shimmy23]

what do you guys wanna know? I've seen both in person.

[M3_Legend]

Great review!

[akkando]

Originally Posted by shimmy23

what do you guys wanna know? I've seen both in person.

I think people want to know the difference in sound.

[x Spades x]

Are you flooring the car (close to redlining it) with no oil??? LOL.... BRAAAAAH

[swanlake]

Originally Posted by x Spades x

Are you flooring the car (close to redlining it) with no oil??? LOL.... BRAAAAAH

Are you referring to the oil level measuring icon in the first vid? I had just driven the car earlier in the day so I knew the level already.

[e90m3808]

Anyone have experience hearing this and the eventuri full system in person and can compare the two in terms of sound volume?

[//steve\\]

They are both going to be nearly identical in terms of volume.